An objective overview of lifestyle and quality of life in the Spanish population: a quantification of nutri-indices and qualitative health nutritypes

Abstract

Introduction: precision nutritional epidemiology studies require the development of initiatives to obtain objective population data that enable the implementation of health strategies. Therefore, the integration of health determinants and risk factors is essential to ensure the quality of life associated with nutrition through the use of new health indicators such as nutritypes and nutritional indices. Objective: the aim of the PLENUFAR 7 project was to design and promote the use of nutritypes and nutritional indices, integrating metabolic variables and nutritional markers of the Spanish population through nutritional education. Methodology: the project was developed in two phases. The first phase involved training and evaluating healthcare professionals. The second phase recruited 5,496 volunteers, collecting information on health, habits, and quality of life. Machine learning tools were used to classify population subgroups through an algorithm, and quantitative nutritypes were employed to determine metabolic risks. Results: the nutritional indices indicated an adequate health status: MEDLIFE (9.3/21 p), HHS (13/100 %), and MHL (2.4/5 p). Additionally, five nutritypes were identified for the Spanish population based on dietary patterns and metabolic determinants: westernized millennial, healthy, active Mediterranean, dysmetabolic, and metabolically vulnerable. Conclusion: the Spanish population exhibits a Mediterranean lifestyle with westernized influences, maintaining good health. PLENUFAR 7 trained professionals to provide personalized dietary advice, considering habits and lifestyles, supported by advanced computational tools.